The Folk Wisdom of the Bedouin
“A generous heart is the wealth of a man.”
This quote reflects a deep cultural value found in Bedouin and Arabian traditions. It highlights that true richness is not measured by material possessions but by one’s ability to give selflessly. In Bedouin culture, generosity is a cornerstone of hospitality and community, where sharing food, shelter, and resources ensures survival in harsh environments.
Generosity has always been a hallmark of Arab and Bedouin culture, where survival in harsh desert environments required mutual aid and hospitality. This proverb reflects the enduring belief that one’s legacy is built through giving, strengthening bonds, and fostering community.
The Folk Bedouin Proverb
“In the dust, we find our roots”
The proverb reflects the idea that our origins and identity are deeply tied to the earth and the environment that shaped us. For Bedouin culture, this phrase evokes a connection to the desert—the vast, enduring landscape that has provided not only challenges but also life, wisdom, and tradition.
Dust symbolizes humility, simplicity, and resilience, reminding us that no matter how far we progress, our true essence lies in understanding and honoring where we come from
This echoes the modern philosophy where the human is composed of the elements of the earth and then returns to it eventually.
A Historical Perspective of Ras Al Khaimah, gained in a visit to the National Museum
Visiting the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum was a deeply reflective experience for me as an artist and a curious seeker. The museum, housed in the former home of the Al Qasimi rulers, offers a powerful window into the region’s history. Its rooms, once occupied by a ruling family, now echo with the stories of a simpler, yet profoundly meaningful past.
Walking through the exhibits, I felt a connection to the struggles, triumphs, and cultural evolution that shaped Ras Al Khaimah. The museum was a reminder that art, history, and heritage are deeply intertwined. The artifacts displayed – from intricate weaponry to crafted pottery – told stories of resilience, challenges, and community life that continue to shape the identity of this land. This visit reaffirmed the idea that art can be even be a broken vessel, carrying the weight of history and culture into the present, giving us a tangible connection to the past while inspiring future creativity.
One of the most fascinating, lesser-known aspects of Ras Al Khaimah’s history is its resilience against invasions and its influence on the wider Gulf region. The emirate’s involvement in the pearling industry, which was central to its economy until the early 20th century, shaped its unique cultural identity. The city’s historical significance as a maritime powerhouse, combined with its history of conflict and cooperation, offers an important narrative of survival, adaptation, and cultural preservation.
Events & Dates to look forward to
31st Dec 2024– New Year Eve 2025 Celebration
18th Jan 2025– The First Art & Fashion Show of Ras Al Khaimah
31st Jan 2025 – RAK Art festival Opens
31st Jan 2025– Sikka Art Fair 2025 Opens
27th Feb 2025– The Holy Month of Ramadan Begins
17 – 20 April 2024 – World Art Dubai art WTC Dubai
18th April 2025 – Art Dubai Opens
06 June 2025 – Eid Al Adha
26 June 2025- Islamic New Year Hijri Calendar Begin
Modern Wisdom on Art Retreats
Art retreats are seen as spaces for creative exploration, self-reflection, and connection with nature and like-minded individuals. In our fast-paced world, they provide a sanctuary for artists and non-artists alike to recharge, disconnect from daily stress, and nurture their creativity. Modern retreats often incorporate mindfulness, wellness practices, and cultural immersion, making them holistic experiences.
How art helps in Healing?
Art is a powerful therapeutic tool that promotes emotional expression and mental clarity. Creating art reduces stress, enhances self-awareness, and fosters resilience. For trauma recovery or managing anxiety, art therapy provides a safe space to process emotions non-verbally. It also encourages a flow state, which has meditative benefits, and stimulates neural pathways associated with well-being.
Art retreats amplify these healing effects by combining art with restorative environments, fostering both personal and collective groups.
Building a Creative Haven: The Future of Art in RAK
Ras Al Khaimah has steadily started to carve its identity as a burgeoning global art destination, thanks to initiatives like RAK Fine Art Festival, The Design Gallery, Nature’s Treasure, and now soon to be launched in this ecosystem – MBAL Art Farm Retreat. These projects will foster a rich creative ecosystem where tradition, innovation, and…
When I met HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi
My relationship with Ras Al Khaimah began in a beautiful evening in a meeting with HH Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the present Ruler of the RAK and the Member of the Federal Supreme Council of United Arab Emirates. His open and smiling persona, and the warm handshake cemented my mystical attraction to the landscape…
MBAL Art Farm Retreat – for Art & Wellness
A Destination (under incubation) for both National & International Creative Fraternity. Art retreats have become sanctuaries for individuals seeking solace, creativity, and connection in today’s fast-paced world. These retreats provide participants with an escape from the pressures of daily life, offering opportunities to explore their creative potential, reconnect with nature, and experience personal growth. Combining…
From Fishing Village to Modern Hub
The Evolution of Al Rams in RAK Nestled along the tranquil coastline of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Rams is a community steeped in history, culture, and resilience. Over centuries, this area has transformed from a modest fishing village to a vibrant locality that reflects the emirate’s rich heritage and ongoing progress. A Historical Fishing Haven…
Icon at RAK is a very special place
What Makes the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa Special? Nestled on the pristine shores of Hayat Island, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa redefines luxury in the UAE. This stunning retreat combines unparalleled natural beauty with modern elegance, making it a standout destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.…
Art Inspiration in the Deserts of RAK
The deserts of Ras Al Khaimah are far from barren; they are alive with stories of resilience and beauty. The vast expanses, punctuated by wandering camels and resilient ghaf trees, inspire minimalistic yet profound artistic creations. Artists can explore sunset painting workshops near sand dunes or participate in night photography sessions capturing star trails over…
Artist Interviews
Meet Salwa Al Shamali An Emerging Artist from Shamal in RAK
She wants to represent UAE as the new generation of Emirati woman using her paintings as the medium of the UAE’s culture and wants to exhibit outside the region as well to take her message of progressive mindset while holding on to her beloved culture and values that she grew up with.
Not only she wants to succeed as an artist herself but also want teach the skills she has learnt to the younger generation, to help them succeed in “a GOOD WAY”. she says.
Salwa Al Shamali paints with acrylics using detailed mixed media techniques to create evocative realizations of her thoughts and dreams which involve desert, camels, and her cultural icons that she grew up with. Her paintings depict the rootedness of her character and personality in love with her surroundings while she incorporates extra terrestrial galaxies in her work.
Inspiring Encounters
Uthman is a pearl smith and sometimes escorts tours on the trips to Pearl Museum.
Besides that he not only ,makes great qahwa – the local Araib coffee but taught me the process of making it with great interest and passion for tea and qahwa making, not missing any detail. He hails from Ras Al Khaimah and has lived in the Al Rams area where he works right now. A calm and collected young profession with his cultural and professional values intact with a calm demeanor. he is the new generation of Emiratis who are forming a new educated work force in every sector of the country,
Al Suwaidi Pearls has a pearl museum in the ocean. It operates tow tour trips a day for tourist to give them an authentic pick into this death defying industry
During the course of our conversation, Uthman, gave me a crash course in tea and qahwa making with live materials that were at hand. Then gave me insights about the pearl jewelry and showed me the his tiny workshop that formed the pearl diving tour resection counter at the Al Rams counter where it has been for many decades before RAK became the part of UAE and survived on Fishing and Pearl diving.